By Pacharo Felix Munthali
Chancellor College never ceases to ooze with gems that exhibit talents of varying extremes. While others may be saturated with talents in the spectrums of literature, some are overly blessed in the area of painting. One such “someone,” is Sam Manda; a fourth year Bachelor of Humanities student majoring in English Language while minoring Fine Arts at the College.
This is manifested in the preview of his work that he is exhibiting at Chancellor College as part of his academic work towards attaining the Bachelor’s Degree he is to obtain after graduating. The Exhibition takes place from 30th November to 5th December. The menu? Painting intermingled with poetry.
A first gaze at him reveals nothing extraordinary. Absolutely nothing.
But when with dexterity he takes charge of a brush and tins of paint culminating in brewing of a stunning artistic product, one really begins to appreciate the massive talent hidden in this young man.
Born in 1985, Sam, apart from already being a gifted cartoonist and illustrator, has a rare touch of class in painting.
Today the young man is gradually but surely climbing up the artistic world, cementing his presence in the process.
Hailing from Malumbazika village, T/A Kapelula in Kasungu district, Sam only realized his dream that he can use his talents to earn money when he joined Chancellor College.
"In 2005 Claim Mabuku wanted illustrators, as such I decided to submit my samples for NAC-sponsored Tiwerenge Series," says a giggling Sam, adding that he was picked and drew cartoons for the book, Tithane ndi Edzi.
At his age, he has also helped in drawing illustrations for a form 3 Mathematics book at St. Andrews High School.
In 2008 he came out second in poster design competition that was organized campus with the financial assistance from National Aids Commission (NAC).
His other illustrations have appeared in Wasi Magazines. In fact he relishes working with a critic Chimombo.
"It's wonderful to work with Dr Steve Chimombo. Dr. Chimombo being a man with enormous critic eye makes me to prepare my work thoroughly. He has helped me a lot in nurturing my skills to another level," says Sam.
The College has now introduced him to painting. “I have been groomed to refine my talent with close supervision from lecturers like Masa Lemu,” he says adding that it is still a long journey.
But his style is unique. He fuses poetry with paintings. In so doing, says Sam, the message becomes clear. The two forms complement one another.
“I can’t have a blush wherever I go. I start with a poem followed by the painting,” he says again.
Painting just like other forms of art can change the society. During medieval period the one of crucial means of communication was painting and drawing. Today Sam still sees painting as being at the centre of many activities.
“Painting changes the society. But it starts with the painter and the audience,” he adds.
The journey has challenges too. “There is lack of appreciation of art amongst many people,” he digs on by further saying that most upcoming artists die in infancy due to lack of readily available outlets.
As he continues soldiering on in the artistic world with determination to propel to the highest possible levels, Sam has many plans; all tied on his rare talent.
"I want to open an illustrating company,” he pauses…then laughs…then “as well as a school for upcoming artists.”
He describes himself as a naturalist, but who has also jumped into a pool of abstract and realism artists.
Back on exhibition Sam becomes serious. “I am taking painting and poetry as covers of the same book and margins of the same page. I am trying to marry the two.”
As the exhibition opens, one sees the majority of paintings accompanied by poetry. This is the exhibition. Another one from Chancellor College is exhibiting his talent, showing the world what he has learnt, and what steps he wants to take when he leaves Chirunga. With ease some may go, but another one will come out next year…The College never ceases…
